Ernie Els is happy to be back where the dream began
South Africa's four-time major winner is returning to Fanling for the first time since 1996 and he's hungry to lift Hong Open trophy
Almost two decades ago, a skinnier and hungrier Ernie Els turned up in Hong Kong with stars in his eyes and big plans to conquer the world. And he did that, going on to win four majors, the last in 2012 at the Open Championship in Britain.
But the South African still has an appetite for the game and on his first visit since 1996 wants to rule at the Hong Kong Open, starting on Thursday. To do that he will have to dethrone four-time champion Miguel Angel Jimenez who will be bidding for a record hat-trick.
"I think he [Jimenez] will be the man to beat. Obviously, he likes it here having won it four times and I would love to play with him on the weekend," Els said yesterday.
I watched last year's finish [on TV] and it was very exciting. I would like to be in contention on Sunday
"I'm optimistic about my game and I would love to get it going this week," added Els who will be playing for the first time at the Hong Kong Open. Els remembers Fanling well.
In 1996, he played here at the Alfred Dunhill Masters finishing sixth behind winner Bernhard Langer.
"It's ridiculous it's been so long. I came here having big plans for life. Sitting here now, quite a few years later and well into my career, I'm blessed that things have worked out nicely for me," reflected Els.
Els blamed scheduling for his long absence from a tournament which celebrates its 56th anniversary this weekend but says local fans are likely to see more of him in the future.